Much like a memory collage, my belief is that a memory garden serves to facilitate a way for family and friends to enjoy memories of their loved one. A memory garden is a place of healing. It allows one to suspend life and to walk or sit in solitude while reflecting on the person who […]

The recent death of NDP leader Jack Layton has devastated Canadians. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, Layton deserves recognition for the accomplishments in his career, which spanned 3 decades. Much like Diana, who was known as ‘the people’s princess’, Layton was considered to be ‘the people’s politician’. A dedicated family man and proud Canadian, Mr. […]

A significant loss can leave us feeling helpless and powerless. It means that the person feels they cannot defend his or herself or they can’t take any action. It’s an awful feeling, but it’s a common feeling following loss. You do feel as though life is out of control. That’s because it is. Often what happened is […]

A song can make a person cry. A picture can make a person cry. Pain makes people cry. And the sorrow of losing a loved one has the power to not only make you cry… it can bring you to your knees. It’s very common for people to burst into tears when they get the news of a loved […]

In the blog on dreams, I mentioned that sometimes people feel their loved one has communicated with them in a dream. The dream can be so real that when they awaken it is difficult to tell if the conversation took place or not. People may also see a vision of their deceased loved one, or […]

It is not unusual to have vivid dreams of your loved one after they die. The dreams may be different each time, or you may experience one that repeats itself over and over. In our dream state, the work of mourning can be facilitated as often the dreams may be a way to help reconcile […]

You know how when you are on holidays you lose track of time and perhaps go about your day aimlessly not checking the calendar or even your watch? That happens when you are grieving too. The downside is that your sense of time and space are not distorted because you are relaxing and having fun. […]

What is survival guilt? It is when you feel guilty that you are alive and a loved one has died. I have met individuals over the years who survived horrific car crashes, but someone they cared about died in the crash. While they are grateful they survived, they hold incredible sorrow for the other person’s […]

North America is deeply saddened by the tragedy resulting from a collapsed stage at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 13, 2011. As of this morning there are five confirmed dead and more than 40 people injured. One of the deaths was that of stagehand, Nate Byrd. Previously, I have written about celebrity deaths and […]

Regardless of having experienced the death of a loved one, everyone can identify with how it feels to be confused. Confusion is another feeling people may experience early in the grief journey. It really goes hand in hand with feeling disorganized. Feeling confused after a loved one’s death is not something we can control. Even […]

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About Janelle

It is an honor to share my journey through grief with you. Although my story is that ~ my story~ it is important for me to acknowledge that many people shared in the losses that I share here. Each of us had a different experience and each of us grieved and mourned in a unique way. While I empathize and truly shared in the pain of others who were also affected by these tragedies, I can only speak for myself and share... READ MORE

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Janelle is an outstanding advocate for the people she supports. We have been colleagues in the field of brain injury for over 20 years. Her passion, commitment and devotion to those she supports is second to none. You will always want Janelle on your side. ~ Geoff Sing

Janelle is a kind soul. Her experience, knowledge, unparalleled thoughtfulness and genuine approach make it easy to talk with her. ~ Tori D

At a time in my life where I was trying to move on and heal from a loss in my life I was lucky enough to be recommended to Janelle. Her caring, understanding and her gentle way of guiding you through the process to really begin to heal was exactly what I needed. I had never spoken to anyone but family and close friends about what I was going through and I finally admitted to myself that I needed a…

As a colleague working with people suffering loss, I have observed Janelle’s excellent skills, compassion and commitment to supporting people through loss. She is a gifted writer and speaker and has a thorough knowledge of the field of grief and loss. ~ ST

Janelle is a gift to our world as she shares her brilliance, insight and wisdom to help guide us with grace through the most challenging times. ~ Peggy McColl, New York Times Best-Selling Author

Anyone reading Janelle’s book, Life Losses: Healing for a Broken Heart will be touched. Gaining insight is the beginning of understanding. Moreover, understanding can only produce compassion. Compassion for those whose world will never be the same. ~ Peg Reuther, widow

Janelle is a compassionate and thoughtful expert on dealing with grief at all levels. Her workshop with our clients who are living with loss after an acquired brain injury went beyond my expectations. Her caring and concern for the people and issues presented to her were evident in the personal and real dialogue that ensued. Her ability to connect on an individual level is comforting. I have no pr…

I have known and admired Janelle for many years. Janelle’s love for and commitment to family and friends and her passionate work in the world of grief and loss have endeared her to many. What she has learned from her personal experiences with loss, her depth of knowledge and understanding of the grieving process, her positive outlook on life, and her natural ability to communicate effectively ar…

Janelle Breese is a major voice in the field of grief and loss… ~ Jay Bonansinga, Professor of Media, Northwestern University, and the author of THE SLEEP POLICE and THE SINKING OF THE EASTLAND: AMERICA’S FORGOTTEN TRAGEDY

As a multiple trauma survivor, I speak with an intimate understanding of the worth Janelle brings to expressing the necessary nature of healing for both her own and others experience of loss. Thanks Janelle, your insights are compelling medicine. ~ in friendship, Val